After a tense exchange between the authority's lawyer and commissioners members over missing paperwork and incomplete state approval, the public hearing on the proposal was pushed back until October.

"I'm frustrated we got a lot of the community out here to speak their mind and they weren't able to do so because of a technicality," said David Kooris, the city's economic development director, who was prepared to testify in favor of the project.

The Housing Authority wants zoning approval for 74 mixed-income apartments at 375 Main St., a vacant lot between downtown and the South End.

The authority, its attorneys and supporters were eager to make their case Monday. So were critics who don't want the development for reasons ranging from distrust of the authority to concern that the project is proposed for a flood zone.

But the presentation came to a screeching halt over questions about building in a flood zone that were raised in a letter to the city from the state's Office of Long Island Sound.

Stephen Studer, the Housing Authority's attorney, disagreed. Studer said he responded to the state's concerns and was prepared to review those issues with zoning commissioners.

It didn't matter, Riley said; the commission needed that state approval.

"(The Long Island Sound Office) doesn't have veto power over decisions of this board," Studer said.

Riley shot back, "You're not starting off on a good foot."

Then Zoning Commission member Barbara Freddino noted that information from the city engineer was also missing.

Studer wanted to at least begin laying out the plans for 375 Main St. to zoning officials. But Riley said the meeting had to be continued until October so the missing documents could be addressed.

"You're going to have to bring your whole dog-and-pony show back next month, so you'll make everybody do this twice. Fine," Riley said.

Kooris watched quietly, his head slowly shaking.

Studer relented, saying the authority would be back next month.

Sitting in the audience were the chairman and vice chairman of the South End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, whose members have been meeting with the authority for several months. The city's NRZs have an important advisory role in zoning matters affecting their neighborhoods.

A vote of the 16 South End NRZ members was taken over the weekend. Because Monday's hearing was postponed, that NRZ's chairman, the Rev. Carl McCluster, declined to reveal the final result. He said he supports the Housing Authority.

"There's a real need for public housing," McCluster said. "The people's fear of the way (public) housing was done back in the 1960s is misplaced."